Denim jeans sizes vary not just per country but by manufacturer. The following is a simplified guide.

Basic Size Guide (United States)

The measurements used in the United States are the following: 0 is equal to XXS, which is size 24. This is equal to 25” at the natural waist and 34” at the waist. USA size 2 is equal to letter size XS 25”. At the natural waist this is 26” and at the hips 35”. USA size 4 (letter size S 26/27; 27” natural waist, hips 36”).

USA size 12 is equivalent to letter size L and size 31 (the natural waist is 31”; at the hips it is 40”). Size 14 is equal to letter size XL 32. The natural waist is 32” and the hips are 41” and size 16 is equal to XXL 33/34. The natural waist size is 33” and at the hips 42”.

International Sizes

Countries employ different measurements. In France, the sizes used are 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42; in Italy, the sizes employed are 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46; while in the United Kingdom it is 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14. The denim jeans sizes used in Germany are 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40. In Australia it is 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 while in Japan the sizes are 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15.

Modern Sizes

In addition, some manufacturers distinguish between modern and classic jeans measurements. In modern types, size 0 is 27” at the waist and 34” at the hips; size 2 is 28” at the waist and 35” at the hips; size 4 is 29” at mid waist and 36” at the hips. Size 6 is 30” at the waist and 37” at the hips; size 8 is 31” at the mid waist and 38” at the hips.

Size 10 is 32” at the waist and 38” around the hips. Modern size 10 corresponds to 33” at the mid waist and 40” at the hips. Size 14 corresponds to 34” at the mid waist and 41” at the hips.

Classic Denim Jeans Sizes

Size 0 corresponds to 28” at the mid waist and 35” at the hips. Size 2 is equal to 29” at the waist and 36” at the hips; size 4 is equal to 30” at the waist and 37” at the hips. Size 6 corresponds to 31” at the waist and 38” at the hips.

Size 8 is equal to 32” at the waist and 40” at the hips. Size 12 corresponds to 34” at the waist and 41” at the hips. Size 14 is equal to 35” around the waist and 42” at the hips.

Tips on Measuring

To attain the correct measurement, ensure the measuring tape is horizontal. You should only be clad in undergarments; measuring with your clothes on will produce incorrect results.

How you wear your denims is up to you, but it’s vital you get the denim jeans size right. As long as it fits properly, it should look good.